A LEEDS planning committee will today consider a controversial application to further develop the former High Royds development in Menston.

The application to convert a former administration block and workshops to create 46 residential units and one retail unit and erect 25 new dwellings at Chevin Park has angered many of the residents already living on the site, which was once a psychiatric hospital.

The developer Avant is asking for a change of planning permission for historic buildings which it says will secure their future. Approval has already been given for the conversion of the administration block into an 80-bed assisted living complex and to turn former workshops into business units. But despite marketing the buildings for more than a decade no-one has shown an interest, according to the developer.

Now the company is seeking planning permission to convert the administration block and workshops into 46 residential units, one retail unit and to build 25 new homes. The company says it has spent £250,000 simply to protect the building from the elements but its attempts have been undermined by thieves.

The new application has drawn criticism from residents who have been invited to attend the plans panel which meets today (Thursday, July 6) from 1.30pm in the Civic Hall, Leeds, in rooms six and seven.

Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum say they are in favour of the plans for the administration block but are not in favour of enabling development on the site.

Jennifer Kirkby, on behalf of the Forum said: "Self-sustainability was inherent in the original planning permission granted, as that allowed the retention of the original character of this grade ll listed site. In addition, there are many basic facilities such as street lighting that have not yet been provided

to residents. In 2014 the Development Panel was going to insist that Ben Bailey (now Avant) did a Masterplan. This is now needed urgently. This site is 'leaching' community facilities from Menston, and to some extent Guiseley, and both these areas have their own issues with infrastructure, especially given the Leeds and Bradford Local Plans. For the current application, this means the improvements to the Administration Block must be done, and the enabling development on Norwood Avenue refused as being out of character and not properly planned - it would also mean more residents when facilities are already non-existent."

Many other reasons for objecting have been raised by members of the public including development of the green belt, flooding risk and a lack of infrastructure, however, planners at Leeds City Council are recommending councillors approve the plans, subject to a legal agreement